include the Bible, The Clear Word (popular, unofficial paraphrase), The Great Controversy, The Desire of Ages, Christ’s Object Lessons, Patriarchs and Prophets, Steps to Christ, Counsels for the Church, The Ministry of Healing

include accepting Ellen G. White as God’s special messenger (the expression "Spirit of Prophecy" is used to refer to both White and her writings); observance of the seventh-day Sabbath (i.e., Saturday); the "investigative judgment" (beginning in 1844); and the denial that humans possess an immaterial soul or spirit. The SDA church is considered God’s special remnant church.

The movement has its origins in William Miller’s failed predictions of Christ’s return (1843, 1844) and attempts to explain it. Much of Adventist theology hangs on the resulting "sanctuary doctrine." Many early Adventist leaders denied the deity and sinlessness of Christ (though she and others later affirmed his deity). White was guilty of extensive plagiarism in her writings.

There are well-defined theological camps within the SDA church. Those known as "historic Adventists" adhere most closely to the distinctive (and mostly heretical) teachings of Ellen G. White and the founders which have traditionally characterized the church.